A/an + singular/plural forms. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns.
The idea
Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns.
Structure & examples
We need an umbrella.
She has a bicycle.
Notice the pattern
Listen to the first sound, not just the first letter. University starts with a /j/ sound, so it takes a; hour starts with a vowel sound because h is silent, so it takes an. Do not use a or an with plural nouns or uncountable nouns.
She is an engineer.
This is a small town.
Important notes & common mistakes
Choose by sound: an hour, but a university.
Before you practice
First choose a form from the options. Then produce it yourself using the word or structure in the instruction. Finally, build complete sentences. Check the explanation after each answer and revisit any mistakes in your review list.
Extended topic: A/an + singular/plural forms
Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns. Most plurals take -s or -es; some are irregular, such as children. Do not use a/an directly before a plural noun.
Examples in context
Notice how each form fits its sentence. Read the context before choosing a form.
She is an engineer.
I have two children.
This is a university.
There are three boxes on the table.
He has an orange bag.
Your progress
Ready to move on?
Mark this lesson as studied when you have finished the explanation.
Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns.
He is ___ artist.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: an
Completed sentence: He is an artist. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns.
I need ___ pencil.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: a
Completed sentence: I need a pencil. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns.
She studies at ___ university.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: a
Completed sentence: She studies at a university. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns.
We waited for ___ hour.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: an
Completed sentence: We waited for an hour. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns.
Question 1 of 50% complete
We need ___ umbrella.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: an
Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: an
Completed sentence: He is an artist. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: a
Completed sentence: I need a pencil. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: a
Completed sentence: She studies at a university. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: an
Completed sentence: We waited for an hour. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: a
Completed sentence: Use a or an: He wears a uniform. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: an
Completed sentence: Use a or an: I bought an egg. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: a
Completed sentence: Use a or an: That is a useful map. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: an
Completed sentence: Use a or an: She sent an email. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: a
Completed sentence: Use a or an: We saw a bird. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: She has a bicycle
Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns. Choose by sound: an hour, but a university.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: She is an engineer
She is an engineer. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns. Choose by sound: an hour, but a university.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: This is a small town
This is a small town. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns. Choose by sound: an hour, but a university.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: I need an umbrella
I need an umbrella. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns. Choose by sound: an hour, but a university.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: He has a red bicycle
He has a red bicycle. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns. Choose by sound: an hour, but a university.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: an
Completed sentence: She is an engineer. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns. Most plurals take -s or -es; some are irregular, such as children. Do not use a/an directly before a plural noun.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: children
Completed sentence: I have two children. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns. Most plurals take -s or -es; some are irregular, such as children. Do not use a/an directly before a plural noun.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: a
Completed sentence: This is a university. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns. Most plurals take -s or -es; some are irregular, such as children. Do not use a/an directly before a plural noun.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: boxes
Completed sentence: There are three boxes on the table. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns. Most plurals take -s or -es; some are irregular, such as children. Do not use a/an directly before a plural noun.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: an
Completed sentence: He has an orange bag. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound with singular countable nouns. Most plurals take -s or -es; some are irregular, such as children. Do not use a/an directly before a plural noun.
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